I'm having writer's block for the past few days :( Sorry.

I know and I feel very disappointed with my updates lately 3 *sigh*

Anyway, let me know your thoughts with this Chapter :)

No Silent readers please :3

 

Chapter 32 - Anyeong! This is Kwon Ji Yong

 

JIYONG’S POV

 

After we gave each other our written retreat letters and took a batch picture together, our facilitator started her speech of goodbye.

 

Everyone started to get teary eyes while listening to our facilitator. Though the retreat is just for 3 days and an accident happened – still, we had our share of fun (honestly it became fun when we started to do the activities without the blindfold) :P of course aside from that, a bond was built because of the said activity.

 

“…I really had fun spending the retreat with you guys. I hope, you won’t forget this experience and all the learning you earned here. I also hope that it will inspire you to do great in your future endeavors. Hwaiting!”

 

 

We gave our goodbyes to the facilitator, while some students are starting to leave with their parents.

 

The rest of us stayed inside the reflection room as we continue our mini talks while our parents’ are having their small chit-chats outside with Top hyung, when Dara excitedly approached us as she pulled to her side the woman from a while ago.

 

“Guys!!” she excitedly called while holding the hand of the older woman. “This is my mom Park Na Young.”

“Annyeonghaseyo~” we chorused as we bow our heads down.

“Anyeong kids. No need to be formal okay.” She said with her genuine smile as she wave her hands. "I learn from Dara that you guys are all her good friends. Thank you so much for taking care of my daughter while... i'm away."

 

The way she talks, I could fairly tell that she’s really the mom of Dara. They both have this snobbish aura at first but when she started talking she brings out a bright aura.

 

"You can call me Auntie or Omonim, arasso?" 

 

 

Everyone started to introduce themselves to Dara’s mom, while the latter just keep on saying her thanks for taking care of Dara while she’s away.

 

I was already preparing my introduction – which is by the way written and been practice a multiple times at the back of my mind since Dara tag her mom along to us – I was about to step forward since I’m the only one who is left since hyung hasn’t come back from the adults’ talk yet.

 

When suddenly Dara’s mom asked the question: “So… who’s my daughter’s boyfriend here?” she giddily asked.

“UMMA—”

 

I was about to step forward when TOP-hyung beat me to it.

 

“Madame Chung.” He greeted as he bowed 90 degrees.

 

I was rooted on my spot as I stare at the bowing figure of hyung. Not just that, but I was shocked when I saw how surprised Dara’s mom yet she looks pleased about it.

 

So? She told her mom that hyung is indeed her boyfriend?

 

 

Wow.

 

Just Wow.

 

“Madame Chung.” Hyung repeated as he bow his head a bit – not looking straight to her eyes.

 

Madame Chung?

 

“Seunghyun-ssi.”

 

Everyone in the circle became quiet for a while. We just continue to stare at Seunghyun-hyung and Dara’s mom.

 

“It’s nice to see you here Seunghyun.” Aunt said as she tap hyung’s shoulder.

“It’s nice to see you here too Madame Chung.”

 

Madame Chung?

 

“Stop calling me Madame Seunghyun, you know you’re a family to us.” She continue.

 

Family?

 

Okay, they both lost me there.

 

“Ehem.” Dara suddenly cleared – melodramatically.

“Oh. My daughter!” Aunt said as she clapped her hands excitedly. “I didn’t know you’re friends with Seunghyun.” She explained.

“Eh?” Dara confusedly asked as she look to her mom then to Seunghyun. “Okay. I hope we can all relate.” She sarcastically added.

“Dara-ah~” Her mom warned with an amuse look on her face. “Seunghyun here is your step-father’s nephew.” She explained.

 

Ah… Nephew…

 

 

 

Wait.

 

WHAT?

 

Ne—

 

“NEPHEW?????” Everyone asked with much surprise.

“Yes kids.” Her mom added. “Seunghyun’s mother is the younger sister of my husband.”

 

“Seunghyun’s mother is the younger sister of your husband?” Dara repeated like an idiot.

 

Seunghyun’s mother is the younger sister of her husband?

 

“Right Dara.” Hyung said. “So… technically…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re cousins.”

 

Dara and Seunghyun-hyung?

 

Cousins?

 

Okay…

 

“That’s kind of…” Bom stated weirdly – still shocked with what she heard

 

 

 

“Awkward.” Seungri finished the sentence.

 

 

We went quiet for a while, not knowing what to say or react with the turn of events.

 

 

 

When “Moving on...” Hyung sarcastically said.

 

“Here’s the lucky guy Auntie.” Seunghyun continued with a smirk as he surprised me when he slump his arm to my shoulder.

 

I was caught off guard and couldn’t help but to stare at the ground.

I feel like I’m about to pass out any minute.

 

 I’m dead nervous.

 

Before I could even pass out I managed to step forward and gave my perfect 90 degrees bow.

 

“A-Annyeonghaseyo… joeheereumeun Kwon Ji Yong eepneeda. C--Choeumbepketseupneedah.” I stammered as I greeted her mom.

 

As soon as I rose from my bow, hyung immediately slump his arm back to my shoulders and rashly ruffle my hair—

 

“The Kwon Ji Yong.” he said as he flash his wide smile to her. 

 

“Our class and school’s president, currently and will be our batch’s first honor slash valedictorian and last but not the least soon-to-be SNU student.” He said in one breathe with all the pride he could muster.

 

Hearing what he said I guardedly nudge his side with my elbow.

Ack. This guy!

 

WHAT IF I DON’T PASS SNU?!

 

Author: Aish. So that’s your concern Jiyong? What a nerd.

 

“Impressive.” Dara’s mom said as she encircle her arms with Dara. “I didn’t know my daughter have these high standards for guys.”

“Umma!—”

“No Auntie, it’s just that the guy is completely head over heels—” Bom naughtily added.

“YAH!!—”

“Kidding…” Bom sheepishly said. “…or not?” and stuck her tongue out.

 

While they continue to tease us, we suddenly hear a call from our back “Is that you Na Young?” I heard.

 

As we all turn to look, its Seunghyun’s Mom.

 

 

And there goes a little reunion.

 

 

DARA’S POV

 

“That’s surprising…” I murmured.

 

I mean, with what happened between Seunghyun and I… Of course it’s super awkward!

 

“Yeah. I was really shocked too.” Jiyong said as he continue to play with my left hand.

 

We’re here again at our favorite spot in the retreat house – the playground. Bom and Seungri already left with their family while Daesung is talking with some colleagues inside the hall. And if you’re looking for Seunghyun, he’s currently with my Mom and his Mom – they’re talking about some business stuff.

 

Aside from the fact that Seunghyun and I are kind of cousins, the fact that my family are good friends with the Chois is super… uh? Unsettling?

 

I remember when I met them before, they’re not really welcoming. I know they didn’t say anything bad at me but I didn’t feel any warmness at all.

 

Just by the way they look at me - they made me feel that I’m not worth of their presence. I tell you! The way they stare at me from head to toe – I feel like they’re already doing their own accounting of my worth.

 

“Hey…” I heard Jiyong said as he tug my hand to him. “Are you okay?” he asked with the familiar worry look on his face.

“Yah…” I called as I massage his forming crease with my thumbs. “I told you, stop doing that. You’ll get old easily.” I kidded.

“You we’re spacing out a while ago.” He said and grab my hand back and caressed it to his face. “Tell me Dara… What’s bothering you?”

 

I feel like I’m about to melt as he continue to stare to my eyes – those beautiful dark brown eyes…

The way he looks at me felt like he could see right through me.

 

Like I’m a part of him…

 

And don’t make me even start with the way his cheeks felt to my skin.

 

 

I couldn’t help but to feel giddy inside as I gaze at his worried face.

 

I feel secured, loved and… special

 

 

Dang. As I think about the past - I realized that he’s concern about me.

He thinks about me…

 

Always.

 

“Aniyo…” I said as I caressed his face with my hand. “It’s just that, many things had happened today.” I assured him.

“Is that all?” he asked as he grabbed me to a hug.

“Y-yah. W-what are you doing?!” I stammered as I push him.

 

If we stay this close I’m afraid he’ll hear the fast beating of my heart.

 

THIS IS CRAZY—

 

 

“Ssh…” he hushed as he pat my back. “Stop overthinking arasso? It won’t do you any good Dara.” He continued. I was about to in and convince him that I’m okay – that there’s nothing that bothers me but he beat me to it. “Stop guarding yourself way too much Dara… I’m here to listen.” He explained as I felt him tighten his hold to me. “You’re not alone anymore okay? Your friends are here and you have your Mom now… We are all here for you Dara…” I heard him sigh before he let go.

 

He cupped my face with both of his hands and look straight to my eyes. “You just have to trust us… We got y